Quick post question... Am liking the Subaru Legacy Outback as the vehicle for when winter comes here in New England. Prime (only?) concern about it is the head gaskets, also what kind of transmission fluid it uses. Going to put a good 5W-20 in it. I had the idea to use a sealer, top off radiator with Steel Seal and drive with it, so if it had gasket issue it no longer would. What are your thoughts on the Subaru engine in the 1996-2000 Legacy Outback, and how much can one be had for?
Subaru 2.5 1996-99 eats head gaskets?
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gathermewool
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Originally Posted By: GearheadTool
Quick post question... Am liking the Subaru Legacy Outback as the vehicle for when winter comes here in New England. Prime (only?) concern about it is the head gaskets, also what kind of transmission fluid it uses. Going to put a good 5W-20 in it. I had the idea to use a sealer, top off radiator with Steel Seal and drive with it, so if it had gasket issue it no longer would. What are your thoughts on the Subaru engine in the 1996-2000 Legacy Outback, and how much can one be had for?
IMO, the head gasket on these cars are like timing belts. They may last well past 105kmi, but once you're just asking for trouble once you get to the 150k+ mark. If I wanted to own one of these, I'd budget for a new set of gaskets.
Nothing thinner than XW-30 in this motor.
Do not use a sealer. If you'd like, drain and refill the coolant with Subie green, with the coolant conditioner additive.
I bought my old '97 Legacy GT with 165k miles on it a few years back for just under $3k. The head gasket had already blown, but was repaired and never gave me any issues.
If you're not 100% for getting an Outback, then I'd suggest you take a look at the EJ22-powered Subies from that generation. they're [censored] near bullet-proof from what I read.
Quick post question... Am liking the Subaru Legacy Outback as the vehicle for when winter comes here in New England. Prime (only?) concern about it is the head gaskets, also what kind of transmission fluid it uses. Going to put a good 5W-20 in it. I had the idea to use a sealer, top off radiator with Steel Seal and drive with it, so if it had gasket issue it no longer would. What are your thoughts on the Subaru engine in the 1996-2000 Legacy Outback, and how much can one be had for?
IMO, the head gasket on these cars are like timing belts. They may last well past 105kmi, but once you're just asking for trouble once you get to the 150k+ mark. If I wanted to own one of these, I'd budget for a new set of gaskets.
Nothing thinner than XW-30 in this motor.
Do not use a sealer. If you'd like, drain and refill the coolant with Subie green, with the coolant conditioner additive.
I bought my old '97 Legacy GT with 165k miles on it a few years back for just under $3k. The head gasket had already blown, but was repaired and never gave me any issues.
If you're not 100% for getting an Outback, then I'd suggest you take a look at the EJ22-powered Subies from that generation. they're [censored] near bullet-proof from what I read.
I found this a while ago:
http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/
Can't help you on the rest. I'd take a look now and see what the going prices are on CL; odds are you can find for less, as many sellers will haggle.
I'm not so sure on any sort of radiator sealer; I'd be worried about it plugging up radiator or heater core passageways instead. Unless if others have good data, I'd just replace the HG if and when it goes, and leave it at that.
http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/
Can't help you on the rest. I'd take a look now and see what the going prices are on CL; odds are you can find for less, as many sellers will haggle.
I'm not so sure on any sort of radiator sealer; I'd be worried about it plugging up radiator or heater core passageways instead. Unless if others have good data, I'd just replace the HG if and when it goes, and leave it at that.
They don't all go through head gaskets, it's just a very common issue and as such well known. If you like the vehicle, be prepared for the issue to arise. You're more likely to encounter a dead cat than a leaking head gasket, but head gasket sounds scarier. Keep in mind that the usual failed head gasket problem causes a very slow coolant loss so even it it shows up at a bad time you can limp along by adding a quart or so of coolant every week or so. If you think that might happen to you, be sure you're using silicate free coolant to protect your oxygen sensors. Be prepared for both problems and if you're lucky you won't have either.
Originally Posted By: gathermewool
Originally Posted By: GearheadTool
Quick post question... Am liking the Subaru Legacy Outback as the vehicle for when winter comes here in New England. Prime (only?) concern about it is the head gaskets, also what kind of transmission fluid it uses. Going to put a good 5W-20 in it. I had the idea to use a sealer, top off radiator with Steel Seal and drive with it, so if it had gasket issue it no longer would. What are your thoughts on the Subaru engine in the 1996-2000 Legacy Outback, and how much can one be had for?
IMO, the head gasket on these cars are like timing belts. They may last well past 105kmi, but once you're just asking for trouble once you get to the 150k+ mark. If I wanted to own one of these, I'd budget for a new set of gaskets.
Nothing thinner than XW-30 in this motor.
Do not use a sealer. If you'd like, drain and refill the coolant with Subie green, with the coolant conditioner additive.
I bought my old '97 Legacy GT with 165k miles on it a few years back for just under $3k. The head gasket had already blown, but was repaired and never gave me any issues.
If you're not 100% for getting an Outback, then I'd suggest you take a look at the EJ22-powered Subies from that generation. they're [censored] near bullet-proof from what I read.
I am glad to know Subaru mader a "Coolant conditioner." I will seek it out.
And were the EJ22's Imprezas? Or GL....
(edit: And why not a thick 20?)
Originally Posted By: GearheadTool
Quick post question... Am liking the Subaru Legacy Outback as the vehicle for when winter comes here in New England. Prime (only?) concern about it is the head gaskets, also what kind of transmission fluid it uses. Going to put a good 5W-20 in it. I had the idea to use a sealer, top off radiator with Steel Seal and drive with it, so if it had gasket issue it no longer would. What are your thoughts on the Subaru engine in the 1996-2000 Legacy Outback, and how much can one be had for?
IMO, the head gasket on these cars are like timing belts. They may last well past 105kmi, but once you're just asking for trouble once you get to the 150k+ mark. If I wanted to own one of these, I'd budget for a new set of gaskets.
Nothing thinner than XW-30 in this motor.
Do not use a sealer. If you'd like, drain and refill the coolant with Subie green, with the coolant conditioner additive.
I bought my old '97 Legacy GT with 165k miles on it a few years back for just under $3k. The head gasket had already blown, but was repaired and never gave me any issues.
If you're not 100% for getting an Outback, then I'd suggest you take a look at the EJ22-powered Subies from that generation. they're [censored] near bullet-proof from what I read.
I am glad to know Subaru mader a "Coolant conditioner." I will seek it out.
And were the EJ22's Imprezas? Or GL....
(edit: And why not a thick 20?)
According to old Subie fans at subaruforester.org, it's more a matter of when than if.
FWIU, the DOHC 2.5 is worse than the SOHC one.
I considered a 2.5 Forester when looking for a daily driver beater for my younger son, and decided on a 2.2 Impreza instead.
Still, these cars (Outback or Forester) can be found for attractive prices, and you do get the unbeatable Subie AWD system.
FWIU, the DOHC 2.5 is worse than the SOHC one.
I considered a 2.5 Forester when looking for a daily driver beater for my younger son, and decided on a 2.2 Impreza instead.
Still, these cars (Outback or Forester) can be found for attractive prices, and you do get the unbeatable Subie AWD system.
The head gaskets on this era of Subaru engine will fail.
Subaru's response was to change the service recommendation to include a special coolant "conditioner" that provides additional reinforcement for the head gasket. No, not a 'Stop-Leak' additive. Just an additive that stops leaks.
Updated head gaskets are available, as are updates to the update. I think the new ones are designed to allow more movement with thermal expansion without losing integrity, sliding rather than tearing/degrading.
Subaru's response was to change the service recommendation to include a special coolant "conditioner" that provides additional reinforcement for the head gasket. No, not a 'Stop-Leak' additive. Just an additive that stops leaks.
Updated head gaskets are available, as are updates to the update. I think the new ones are designed to allow more movement with thermal expansion without losing integrity, sliding rather than tearing/degrading.
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
According to old Subie fans at subaruforester.org, it's more a matter of when than if.
FWIU, the DOHC 2.5 is worse than the SOHC one.
I considered a 2.5 Forester when looking for a daily driver beater for my younger son, and decided on a 2.2 Impreza instead.
Still, these cars (Outback or Forester) can be found for attractive prices, and you do get the unbeatable Subie AWD system.
IIRC the 96 and 97 are SOHC? I was tempted to put in an underdose of Steel Seal. Ive had luck with that as preventative maintenance in the past. (the logic being that if a leak is starting it will wind it and seal it. Works well. Ive never had a car overheat after pouring it in.)
It would have to be the Legacy wagon. If it did not have to haul band equipment, id go EJ22. Maybe does not HAVE to be an Outback but, AWD became standard in................. ? We saw one 95, a couple 96s, and two 97s to our liking. Including a 99 that said "Engine overheats." And what kind of transmission fluid ? ty (I also need to disable the driver side airbag. Or remove it...)
According to old Subie fans at subaruforester.org, it's more a matter of when than if.
FWIU, the DOHC 2.5 is worse than the SOHC one.
I considered a 2.5 Forester when looking for a daily driver beater for my younger son, and decided on a 2.2 Impreza instead.
Still, these cars (Outback or Forester) can be found for attractive prices, and you do get the unbeatable Subie AWD system.
IIRC the 96 and 97 are SOHC? I was tempted to put in an underdose of Steel Seal. Ive had luck with that as preventative maintenance in the past. (the logic being that if a leak is starting it will wind it and seal it. Works well. Ive never had a car overheat after pouring it in.)
It would have to be the Legacy wagon. If it did not have to haul band equipment, id go EJ22. Maybe does not HAVE to be an Outback but, AWD became standard in................. ? We saw one 95, a couple 96s, and two 97s to our liking. Including a 99 that said "Engine overheats." And what kind of transmission fluid ? ty (I also need to disable the driver side airbag. Or remove it...)
?
gathermewool
Site Donor 2025
the 5w30 recommendation is based on Subaru no back-spec'ing anything lighter to any of its older models. You'll be hard pressed to find an older Subie owner recommending anything lighter than XW-30 - you'll find more recommending XW-40 than XW-20.
The Subaru conditioner is cheap and does the same thing. As was mentioned, it's not a stop-leak, but is used to prevent...future leakages.
I'd say an EJ22 in a wagon would be plenty to haul your stuff around.
If it says, "engine overheats," then the headgasket is probably on its way out.
I've heard people having good results with Valvoline Maxlife ATF. The 4EAT's from that time are also a little finicky, so be careful.
Why do you want to remove the driver-side airbag?
The Subaru conditioner is cheap and does the same thing. As was mentioned, it's not a stop-leak, but is used to prevent...future leakages.
I'd say an EJ22 in a wagon would be plenty to haul your stuff around.
If it says, "engine overheats," then the headgasket is probably on its way out.
I've heard people having good results with Valvoline Maxlife ATF. The 4EAT's from that time are also a little finicky, so be careful.
Why do you want to remove the driver-side airbag?
Had a coworker with a 1997 Legacy that blew its motor, burned a valve as he explained it. It sounded awful before it blew up, as well. Could have been his neglect, maybe not, who knows. But I was half heartedly asking around junkyards looking for a motor for him, and they say they sell them as fast as they come in!
The "good" news seems to be they aren't rusting out before the powertrain blows up.
As good as they are or may be, prices are about to shoot up if they haven't already. Consider an XJ cherokee?
The "good" news seems to be they aren't rusting out before the powertrain blows up.
As good as they are or may be, prices are about to shoot up if they haven't already. Consider an XJ cherokee?
Originally Posted By: eljefino
Had a coworker with a 1997 Legacy that blew its motor, burned a valve as he explained it. It sounded awful before it blew up, as well. Could have been his neglect, maybe not, who knows. But I was half heartedly asking around junkyards looking for a motor for him, and they say they sell them as fast as they come in!
The "good" news seems to be they aren't rusting out before the powertrain blows up.
As good as they are or may be, prices are about to shoot up if they haven't already. Consider an XJ cherokee?
For the winter, right? Im not against it, a 4.0 I am sure you mean. As long as.. As long as it has 1. 4WD and 2. enough hip room for a larger woman. The primary driver is my friend who weighs 410lbs. The Subaru is to her linking. Height step-in, passenger/cargoroom and yes dependability are at issue. So far the Subaru Legacy is winning the "best of everything" test.
Also, that site said that 1996s use MLS. I am catching up with comments about Steel Seal top-off now. That said, that site makes me want a 1996 and not a 1997 or later year. I also have to take a screwdriver and pop out the airbag for her.
My short list: Ford Explorer Gen1, Cherokee, S10 is out pretty much. "Isuzu Rodeo." Something that can 1. Fit large keyboards in it, the kind that would effectively fill a folded-down Outback wagon's cargo hold 2. Have AWD capability, either with selectable 4WD or AWD 3. Power is NOT an issue, 4. Must have auto trans, 5. Cannot be too difficult to step in/out of due to a bad knee and 410lbs driver. Absence of center console is preferable. The legacy one is passable. Here http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/ctd/3250315792.html
eljefino if we had the money we would have driven to Maine for that $850 Volvo you snagged.
Had a coworker with a 1997 Legacy that blew its motor, burned a valve as he explained it. It sounded awful before it blew up, as well. Could have been his neglect, maybe not, who knows. But I was half heartedly asking around junkyards looking for a motor for him, and they say they sell them as fast as they come in!
The "good" news seems to be they aren't rusting out before the powertrain blows up.
As good as they are or may be, prices are about to shoot up if they haven't already. Consider an XJ cherokee?
For the winter, right? Im not against it, a 4.0 I am sure you mean. As long as.. As long as it has 1. 4WD and 2. enough hip room for a larger woman. The primary driver is my friend who weighs 410lbs. The Subaru is to her linking. Height step-in, passenger/cargoroom and yes dependability are at issue. So far the Subaru Legacy is winning the "best of everything" test.
Also, that site said that 1996s use MLS. I am catching up with comments about Steel Seal top-off now. That said, that site makes me want a 1996 and not a 1997 or later year. I also have to take a screwdriver and pop out the airbag for her.
My short list: Ford Explorer Gen1, Cherokee, S10 is out pretty much. "Isuzu Rodeo." Something that can 1. Fit large keyboards in it, the kind that would effectively fill a folded-down Outback wagon's cargo hold 2. Have AWD capability, either with selectable 4WD or AWD 3. Power is NOT an issue, 4. Must have auto trans, 5. Cannot be too difficult to step in/out of due to a bad knee and 410lbs driver. Absence of center console is preferable. The legacy one is passable. Here http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/ctd/3250315792.html
eljefino if we had the money we would have driven to Maine for that $850 Volvo you snagged.
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Originally Posted By: GearheadTool
Going to put a good 5W-20 in it.
Why? As mentioned in your other thread, there's no reason to. You're not helping anything by doing so.
Going to put a good 5W-20 in it.
Why? As mentioned in your other thread, there's no reason to. You're not helping anything by doing so.
Originally Posted By: Bottom_Feeder
Originally Posted By: GearheadTool
Going to put a good 5W-20 in it.
Why? As mentioned in your other thread, there's no reason to. You're not helping anything by doing so.
The more I read about the gasket issues I think I may be putting a 0w30 in it.
Quote:
Why do you want to remove the driver-side airbag?
I was asked to due to reports over airbag detonations gone wrong, causing decapitations, etc etc. She wants it out so I may try a car thief method for doign so as long as I can get the horn cover back on. (Screwdriver?) *This car isnt for me. 5ft7, 410+lbs woman
Originally Posted By: GearheadTool
Going to put a good 5W-20 in it.
Why? As mentioned in your other thread, there's no reason to. You're not helping anything by doing so.
The more I read about the gasket issues I think I may be putting a 0w30 in it.
Quote:
Why do you want to remove the driver-side airbag?
I was asked to due to reports over airbag detonations gone wrong, causing decapitations, etc etc. She wants it out so I may try a car thief method for doign so as long as I can get the horn cover back on. (Screwdriver?) *This car isnt for me. 5ft7, 410+lbs woman
Who in their right mind would buy a car KNOWN to blow it's head gaskets, rust out AND possibly "decapitate" you with it's airbags? If I have to ask someone to remove my airbag because it might take my head off I might consider looking for something else...sheesh.
Originally Posted By: oilmaven
Who in their right mind would buy a car KNOWN to blow it's head gaskets, rust out AND possibly "decapitate" you with it's airbags? If I have to ask someone to remove my airbag because it might take my head off I might consider looking for something else...sheesh.
With all due respect, this does not really mean anything to me since it appears there are known fixes. I am vehicle shopping, purchase will be in October or threabouts. Im the auto-inclined one here. She isnt. She trusts me which is why I ask questions about this stuff. I will remove the airbag for my friend, its not a big deal I just hope I can get the cover back on. That said, the engine gives me pause, hence my Steel Seal idea (if that will help keep it from going. I dont see why it wouldnt.) And if a stupid Impreza was big enough, id be pursuing that.
Who in their right mind would buy a car KNOWN to blow it's head gaskets, rust out AND possibly "decapitate" you with it's airbags? If I have to ask someone to remove my airbag because it might take my head off I might consider looking for something else...sheesh.
With all due respect, this does not really mean anything to me since it appears there are known fixes. I am vehicle shopping, purchase will be in October or threabouts. Im the auto-inclined one here. She isnt. She trusts me which is why I ask questions about this stuff. I will remove the airbag for my friend, its not a big deal I just hope I can get the cover back on. That said, the engine gives me pause, hence my Steel Seal idea (if that will help keep it from going. I dont see why it wouldnt.) And if a stupid Impreza was big enough, id be pursuing that.
Ok, diff Q. First year of the Forester was 1998.. ?
It won't pass inspection (legally) without an airbag. Can she get a doctors note b/c she's too close to it? I'd hate to have the liability.
I'm trying to think of other low riding AWD cars and coming up short. There were some late 90s volvos but they're mechanical nightmares with ABS issues and other expensive gremlins.
She can't drive a FWD car with snow tires? She absolutely has to be out?
I'm trying to think of other low riding AWD cars and coming up short. There were some late 90s volvos but they're mechanical nightmares with ABS issues and other expensive gremlins.
She can't drive a FWD car with snow tires? She absolutely has to be out?
gathermewool
Site Donor 2025
I'd recommend against removing the airbag for the following reasons:
1. You mentioned she's a very large woman. Does she sit further away than most people from the steering wheel? If so, and given her probably upper body size, the airbag may hit her upper body well before her head.
2. If she is injured in an accident, it may come up (she may let it slip) that you were the one who removed it. Even if she herself wouldn't hold you responsible, her insurance company may not be so forgiving.
Yes, I believe the first USDM Forester was introduced in '98 as a '99 MY.
1. You mentioned she's a very large woman. Does she sit further away than most people from the steering wheel? If so, and given her probably upper body size, the airbag may hit her upper body well before her head.
2. If she is injured in an accident, it may come up (she may let it slip) that you were the one who removed it. Even if she herself wouldn't hold you responsible, her insurance company may not be so forgiving.
Yes, I believe the first USDM Forester was introduced in '98 as a '99 MY.
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